AUSTRALIA DAY: Ann Sansom

For all that time the owner of Gloucester Health Foods has been a played a crucial role in assisting local community groups and event organisers.

Through her business, Ann has gladly taken responsibility as the ‘ticket sales office’ for local events including all GACCI productions, Opera in the Church, the Westpac Rescue Helicopter dinner and auction tickets and Anglican Church bus trip bookings.

“I love to be involved in community activities but the shop takes up so much of my time so this is my way of helping, to do it with the shop,” she said.

Ann is an honorary member of the Rookhurst-Gloucester Hospital Auxiliary, in recognition of her assistance in their fundraising efforts.

She also assists many local people by promoting their talents through the sale of books, CD’s and handmade jewellery, through her shop.

Born and raised in Gloucester, Ann originally trained as a telephonist working on the exchange before taking the plunge and opening her own business.

A mother of four and grandmother of two, Ann is a previous nominee for Gloucester Citizen of the Year.

“I’ve been nominated before but never won and I don’t plan to do so this time either,” a typically humble Mrs Sansom said.

Ann has for many years been heavily involved in the organisation and running of the annual Gloucester Mountain Man Tri Challenge and assists greatly with fundraising for the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Gloucester Support Group.